Head of Engineering

Head of Engineering | Private Banking / Wealth Infrastructure | New York, NY (Hybrid)

Shields Group Search is partnering with an open-architecture private banking platform serving independent wealth managers to hire a hands-on Head of Engineering .

Our client partners with leading non-bank financial institutions, including investment advisors, insurance carriers, and family offices across the United States, to deliver cash management, credit, and enterprise-grade analytics to wealthy individuals and families.

About the Position

The Head of Engineering will lead development across the entire stack, including the web application, backend systems, and core infrastructure.

This is a hands-on leadership role. We are looking for someone with superior coding ability who wants to continue writing code, architecting core systems, and mentoring a talented team of engineers.

AI is central to this role. You will use and build at the frontier of AI/ML in finance to drive innovation across private banking infrastructure.

The ideal candidate will have previously held senior software engineering roles at a startup, fintech, investment bank, commercial bank, family office, RIA, or similar institution.

Compensation: $230,000–$250,000 base salary, plus a target cash bonus equal to 15% of base salary and an initial equity grant of up to 0.75%.

The company also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage.

This is a hybrid position based in New York, NY , reporting directly to the CEO.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team of highly skilled engineers across frontend, backend, and infrastructure.
• Maintain platform security, including SOC 2 compliance across multiple Trust Services Criteria, and build and manage the infrastructure required for the cybersecurity roadmap.
• Enforce the firm’s regulatory policies and procedures.
• Develop applications across web, mobile, and API interfaces.
• Develop platforms for end users, partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Recruit and maintain a pipeline of engineers capable of delivering innovative, world-class solutions using Next.js, TypeScript, FastAPI, Python, AWS, Terraform, and other technologies as the stack expands.
• Oversee full-stack development, database engineering, DevOps, QA automation, security, and IT/hosting.
• Establish efficient processes for software development and continuous delivery.
• Maintain connectivity between the internal architecture, sponsor bank(s), and lenders.

Required Skills & Experience

• B.S. or graduate degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of related experience in software/web development and architecture.
• 2+ years of engineering management experience.
• Expertise in modern web stacks, cloud platforms, microservices/monolith frameworks, APIs, automated testing, and security.
• A desire to use and build at the frontier of AI/ML solutions in finance, driving innovation in private banking infrastructure, with hands-on experience across modern AI/ML platforms.
• Broad knowledge of software/web development techniques, processes, methods, and best practices.
• Superior coding ability, with a demonstrated track record of writing production-quality code.
• A desire to remain hands-on by continuing to write code, architect core systems, and mentor and grow a talented team of highly skilled engineers.
• Passion for creating best-in-class products and user experiences.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively lead and motivate teams.
• Proven experience and strong understanding of traditional finance and/or fintech infrastructure.

This is an opportunity to architect a state-of-the-art platform while building and leading a talented engineering organization.